Things To Do This Weekend In London: 13-14 July 2019

All weekend

SUMMER SERIES:Somerset House Summer Series consists of 11 open-air gigs in the famous courtyard, championing pioneering musicians across a range of genres. British jazz extraordinaires Sons of Kemet headline on Saturday night, while British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Jacob Banks takes to the stage on Sunday. Somerset House, various prices, book ahead, 11-21 July

HYPER JAPAN: Get stuck into all things Japanese at Hyper Japan, a celebration of the country's art, culture and food. Wander around the market area where you can buy everything from traditional kimono to modern art and accessories, or watch Japanese musicians, martial artists and cosplayers on the live stage. Olympia London, from £17, book ahead, 12-14 July

SHUBBAK RIVER STAGE: Arabic culture festival Shubbak takes over National Theatre's open-air River Stage this weekend. Performers on the line-up include spoken word artist Samira Saleh, hiphop duo EbsilJaz, and DJ and radio presenter Noor Palette. South Bank, free, just turn up, 12-14 July

TRANSPORT TREASURES: London Transport Museum opens the doors to its storage depot in Acton, where it keeps many of its artefacts which aren't currently on display. The family-friendly event includes tours, heritage bus rides, trips on a miniature steam railway, costumed characters and musical storytime sessions. Acton Depot, £12/£10/£6, book ahead, 13-14 July

SALVAGE MARKET: One man's trash is another man's treasure, so have a rummage at Peckham Salvage Yard and see what gems you can come up with. Over 50 traders sell vintage furniture, clothing, homeware and other unexpected oddities — you might find something you didn't even know you needed. Bussey Building (Peckham), free entry, just turn up, 13-14 July

CHRISTIAN DIOR: It's the final weekend of the Christian Dior-inspired Culinary Fashion Experience. Inspired by the Dior exhibition at the nearby V&A (which has now been extended until September), the afternoon tea-style meal brings together elements of the French fashion designer's life through savoury and sweet menu items, including drinks served in perfume bottles, and a make-up palette of petit fours. The Franklin Hotel (South Kensington), £40, book ahead, until 14 July

WINE TIME: It's officially rosé season, and Patch & Picnic is a gloriously summery pop up on South Bank dedicated to the delicious wine. Enjoy a glass (or two!) of Jacob's Creek’s award-winning Le Petit Rosé to help you keep your cool in the rising temperatures, while snapping selfies at the pink floral wall, and make memories with the free GIF machine. Patch & Picnic (South Bank), free entry, book ahead to get your own personal patch, noon-10pm, until 30 September (sponsor)

SOUTHGATE SAUNTER: Join tour guide Philip Nelkon for a saunter around Southgate — which used to be an actual gate leading to forests where royal parties would go hunting. Visit Christ Church, which was designed by George Gilbert Scott, and elsewhere, learn about the area's connection with Hampden Park, Old Trafford and Anfield, and a famous brewery created by two prominent local families. Southgate station, £10, book ahead, 11am-1.30pm

ILLUSTRATION FAIR: Pick up some new artwork for your walls at the House of Illustration summer fair. The art gallery takes over Granary Square, with over 100 stalls from independent designers selling prints, books and cards. If that's not enough art for you, the gallery is offering 2-for-1 entry on the day. Granary Square (King's Cross), free entry to the fair, just turn up, 11am-5pm

BEER BY THE RIVER: One of our picks for the best beer festivals in London this month, Beer by the River is a one-day celebration of craft beer, music and street food. It's a family-friendly event, with kids' activities alongside the beer, tours of the old brewery, and an appearance by the Young's dray horses. Ram Quarter (Wandsworth), £12, book ahead, 12pm-9pm

PRIDE ON ICE: Pride celebrations continue at Queens, where Pride in London hosts the official cool down party. Take to the ice yourself, or stay on dry land and enjoy flamboyant music, drag queens on ice, and other entertainment. You can also tuck into food and drink at rink side bar and restaurant Sin Bin by MeatLiquor. Queens London (Queensway), from £5, book ahead, 6pm-midnight

PAVAROTTI: Watch new documentary Pavarotti, about the life and work of the Italian opera singer. It includes interviews with his family and colleagues, and footage that hasn't been shown in public before. This screening begins with a recorded intro by the director, and is followed by a satellite Q&A hosted by Classic FM presenter John Brunning, and including Katherine Jenkins and the film’s producer Nigel Sinclair. Bertha DocHouse (Bloomsbury), £12.50/£10, book ahead, 7pm

SPICE GIRLS: Never give up on the good times with We Love Pop, who host a club night dedicated to the Spice Girls. Along with the classic tunes, expect cardboards cutouts and masks of the band, themed cocktails and prizes to be won. Concrete (Shoreditch), £6-£8, book ahead, 10pm-2am

Sunday 14 July

Celebrate Bastille Day at Cahoots

FARMERS' MARKET: Stock up on fruit, veg, bread, cheese and pastries at the Forty Hall Farmers' Market, where local growers and producers sell their wares. There are also street food stalls and a bar in case you get peckish while browsing, and you can wander round the farm while you're there. Forty Hall (Enfield), free entry, just turn up, 10am-3pm

HOUNDS ON THE HEATH: Bow wow wow your way over to Hampstead Heath for a day of doggy din. Hounds on the Heath is a fundraiser for the Mayhew Animal Home. Dogs compete in agility courses and traditional categories, while there are stalls and food and drink for humans to enjoy. Hampstead Heath cricket pitch, free to attend/£4 to enter your dog, 11am-4pm

GRAND FLANEUR: The Chap magazine marks its 100th issue with The Grand Flaneur Walk. Don your best flaneur finery and join the free amble — it could take five minutes or five days, but the aim is to get people away from their phone screens and observing the world around them. Jermyn Street, free, just turn up, 12pm

SUMMER STREETS: The first of this year's traffic-free Sundays on Regent Street delves into the thoroughfare's history. It celebrates its 200th birthday this year, and Museum of London experts are on hand to show the important role horses have played in the street's history. There are also plenty of free games, competitions and special offers in the local shops. Regent Street, free, just turn up, 12pm-6pm

STAND-UP FEST: Comedians include Jayde Adams, Lucy Porter and Simon Brodkin take part in Stand-Up Fest, a jam-packed afternoon of comedy sets. They're showcasing their latest work before heading to Edinburgh or off on tour — and some of the shows are free, if you don't mind queueing. The Comedy Pub (Piccadilly), various prices, book ahead, 12.30pm-9.15pm

BEACH CARNIVAL: Get a proper dose of summer at a Caribbean beach carnival... in the far reaches of north London. There's a variety of soca music hailing from all Caribbean islands, plus there's food, drink and face and body art... all on a white sand beach. Lee Valley Beach, £35, book ahead, 1pm-10pm

NORTHCOTE FEST: Battersea's Northcote Road is closed to vehicles for the Northcote Fete. Over 100 stalls line the street selling craft items, jewellery, clothing, gifts, food and drink, while dance and music acts perform on the stage. Plus, there's a big screen showing the action from the Wimbledon men's final. Northcote Road (Battersea), free, just turn up, 11am-6pm

BASTILLE DAY:Mark Bastille Day at subterranean bar Cahoots, where bartenders are whipping up French-inspired cocktails using Grey Goose vodka and St-Germain elderflower liqueur, soaked up with oysters. There's live music from 7pm, and for once, the London Underground themed bar is being transformed into a scene from post-war Paris. Cahoots (Carnaby), free entry (all cocktails £12.50), booking recommended, from 7pm

WOLF HALL LIVE: The Locrian Ensemble of London gives a live performance of the musical score of Wolf Hall, conducted by composer Debbie Wiseman. It was written for the BBC's six-part adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novel, and extracts are read by Anton Lesser, who played Thomas More. Southbank Centre, £25-£35, book ahead, 7.45pm